Thinking of becoming an RN? Learn more about the education, job duties, job opportunities and income potential of this in demand profession.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Clinical Nurse Specialist Programs: Specializing as an RN
A registered nurse, looking for additional education as well as responsibility, may want to consider registering in one of the many post-graduate clinical nurse specialist programs that are available throughout the country. These programs are much more advanced than typical nurse training and are at the master's degree and doctorate level. Upon completion of a program, and passing an exam, a registered nurse becomes a clinical nurse specialist (CNS), which usually carries a good deal more responsibility, and better pay when compared with an RN.
Clinical nurse specialist programs are accredited by the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, which works with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The necessary coursework is mandated by these associations. Because of this the healthcare facility that hires these professionals can always feel comfortable knowing that they're well trained for the job they'll be doing.
As the title implies, these nurses get a level of clinical training far and above that of an RN. Clinical nurse specialist programs really focus heavily on the clinical work needed to diagnose and treat specific ailments. A nurse with this position may also be responsible for training other medical staff, as well as things such as playing a key role in making healthcare policies and writing treatment plans. Overall, a CNS is crucial to the success of the healthcare facility.
These particular programs prepare an RN to specialize in fields like pediatric, adult and geriatric nursing. They may also have concentrations on specific diseases, such as diabetes or cancer, as well as nursing sub-specialties, such as surgical, psychology or rural nursing, allowing a CNS to obtain a high degree of expertise in a particular sub-category. Within the framework of the education, there are main competencies, in clinical work, ethics and infrastructure, as well as specialty-specific training. For instance, if a clinical nurse specialist chooses to specialize in adolescents, they may take classes in subjects like substance abuse and social work. While training for somebody specializing in geriatrics will concentrate on things like pain management and end-of-life ethics.
In the United States, there are more than 150 accredited clinical nurse specialist programs. Several have both full and part time programs, which take 2 or 3 years. Not every program offers each specialty or sub specialty, but an RN in search of particular credentials, not available locally, has the choice of web based classes.
Enrolling in one of the many clinical nurse specialist programs is a great opportunity for registered nurses to get more from their occupations. The advanced training they get will allow them to take on far more responsibilities. A career as a clinical nurse specialist is very satisfying, opens job opportunities and offers increased pay, which makes it the next logical step for any current registered nurse who would like to get to the next stage.
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